SKH-1c-1986-04 Spiked Head

Description

Cross-referenced to JCc-86_18, SKH-1c-1986-04 on the 1986 Philadelphia Lincoln Memorial cent is the fourth and final spiked head variety documented for this date, and it carries additional diagnostic complexity beyond the typical spiked head profile. The obverse die crack that produces the spiked head effect is accompanied by three reverse die cracks indicated by white arrows in reference images — making this a die pair where both the obverse and reverse were developing significant fatigue damage simultaneously. The convergence of an obverse spiked head with multiple reverse die cracks documents a die pair that was approaching terminal state on both sides, a condition that the Mint would ideally detect and remedy by pulling the press for die replacement. The JCc-86_18 cross-reference links this variety to an independent attribution system, providing collectors with a secondary verification path for specimens they believe match this die pair. Four spiked head varieties for a single date-mint combination demonstrates the reproducibility of die failure at the portrait crown — a stress concentration inherent in the Lincoln cent design that continued to produce spiked heads throughout the Memorial reverse era. Struck at Philadelphia (no mint mark) on copper-plated zinc planchets (97.5% zinc, 2.5% copper) at 2.5 grams and 19mm, from the 1986 mintage of 4,491,395,493 cents.

Attribution History

• Cross reference number: SKH-1c-1986-04, JCc-86_18.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References